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San Francisco 49ers: Projecting 2017 Starting Lineup after First Wave of NFL Free Agency

By Peter Panacy

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Back

Halfback: Carlos Hyde

Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk

San Francisco will again implement a fullback in its offense after not doing so under former head coach Chip Kelly a year ago.

Kyle Juszczyk might have signed a lucrative four-year, $21 million contract with the 49ers, which is awfully high for a fullback. But one should figure the 2016 Pro Bowler to be more than just a lead blocker. Head coach Kyle Shanahan will likely feature him as more of an H-back and legitimate receiving threat.

Jan 3, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The bengals won 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The bengals won 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

The 49ers will continue to roll with Carlos Hyde as the No. 1 tailback spot.

Hyde, who missed 1,000 rushing yards by a mere 12 last season, will need to stay healthy. So look for the Niners to add some depth in a deep NFL Draft class this offseason.

Still, Shanahan’s offense will likely focus a lot around the running game. Additions like Juszczyk and tight end Logan Paulsen indicate a heavy reliance upon the ground attack, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Shanahan employ some sort of two-headed monster like he did with runners Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman in Atlanta last year.